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Support programs

UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital offer many support programs for our patients and their families. These programs provide support for the stresses of hospitalization as well as general health and well-being.

Peds patient coloring

Social workers

Our social workers are here for our patients and their families. They are here to discuss your concerns, provide support and explore solutions.

Some services they provide include:

  • Crisis intervention
  • Individual, family, and group counseling
  • Problem-solving
  • Stress management
  • Support and educational groups

Discharge planning

Social workers plan your discharge from the hospital. They make referrals to community agencies to help your recovery. These include:

  • HomeCare agencies
  • Rehabilitation centers
  • Sponsorship agencies
  • Parenting programs
  • Specialized support groups
  • Community mental health centers

We also assist in finding resources for patient needs, including:

  • Housing assistance
  • Transportation assistance
  • Emergency financial assistance

Take a tour of pediatric surgery

Join us on a PEDS TOUR, an interactive encounter, where your child can experience an operating room. Our group of RNs, surgical technologists and physicians bring your child right into an actual operating room to allow them to experience the roles of our surgical team and actual surgical tools and equipment.

Pediatric surgery care team and visitors

Places and activities for patients

UF Health children's healing garden

This therapeutic garden was created especially for engaging children while they are hospitalized. Its primary purpose is for use by young inpatients whose care teams have ‘prescribed’ them time here.

Playrooms

Each pediatric floor has a playroom that is open during the day for pediatric patients and families. All patients and siblings must be supervised by an adult (18 yrs and up). Volunteers may be available to provide supervision when parents cannot be here.

Supervised activity groups

Activity groups are run by a variety of trained volunteers and staff. Children that are unable to go to the playroom can get toys and activities for their room. A schedule for activities is avaliable on every floor.

Personal computers & internet access

Wireless access is available for those patients and families that bring their laptops.

Patient education and resources

Pediatric conditions and treatments

Learn about pediatric medical conditions and diseases we treat.

Clinical trials

At the UF Academic Health Center and across the state, University of Florida researchers conduct many different types of clinical research studies, including clinical trials.

Florida Health Finder

Visit FloridaHealthFinder.gov, where the Agency for Health Care Administration publishes quality and performance information about Florida's health care facilities.

Children's Miracle Network

UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital is the local Children’s Miracle Network participating hospital for the Gainesville/North Central Florida, Tallahassee/South Georgia and West Palm Beach areas.